Universal Orlando
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I’m pretty sure they added Express to Gringotts.
But she’s the expert, so trust her word more than mine
Thanks :blush: I read on Twitter and saw on YouTube that it appears they’ve added a physical Express line there (but no sign yet) so I think it’s coming, but Universal’s website still says no Express for that, so at this point I would be cautious and assume not. I haven’t been since October so I can’t verify personally, but I’ll be back at UO in 88 days
I will chime in and tell you that if you splurge and stay at one of their deluxe accommodations you get the unlimited express pass free. That is what we did – we stayed at the Hard Rock and it was outstanding. Their restaurant “the Kitchen” was also very good – we ate there twice. The express pass was definitely worth it as we rode everything we wanted multiple times quickly. Now, in saying that, note that most of the Harry Potter rides are exempt from the express pass so that leaves several things you have do ride in the regular line which can be a little long. Have a great time!
Yes this is correct. I think Ferg is staying off-property as he indicated he may purchase Express, but you are right that Hard Rock, Portofino Bay and Royal Pacific all offer “free” Express passes. I was going to get onto that if Ferg said he was looking at staying on-site
sometimes it can be cheaper to just upgrade your hotel. We looked at Royal Pacific over Cabana Bay and it was a $195 price difference per night. For the two of us, it would have been cheaper to just buy Express each day, but for a family of three for example, that would have been a $65 saving over buying three unlimited Express passes. But this is getting a little deeper than Ferg may need to go 
I went to Universal for a couple days this past May. We stayed at the Royal Pacific resort and got the Unlimited Express Pass with our room. While the cost of the room was a little higher than staying somewhere off site, when I priced everything out including buying the regular limited Express Passes, we ended up saving money by staying on property! The cost for the Express Passes varies depending on what days you’ll be there, so that might not be the case for you, but it’s worth pricing it out! Either way, the Express Pass is worth EVERY penny! I don’t think we waited more than 10 minutes for any ride that took the pass, and I was there on Memorial Day weekend, so it was pretty crowded. There’s a lot to do at Universal, and even with the passes, there were still things we didn’t get to see or experience because we just flat ran out of time!
We ate at the Three Broomsticks, Mythos, and Margaritaville and all three were very good! I had wanted to try the Chocolate Emporium, but couldn’t find time to squeeze it in. But, that’s just a reason to go back!
2) We are getting park-to-park tickets.
3) We are fine with the regular express pass. Even if rides are a 20-30 minute wait, I would rather skip those and spend more time watching street shows, re-riding something, getting a snack, etc. so will splurge on the pass even if a low crowd.Good choice on park to park! It’s the only way to ride the train but also it’s so easy to “park hop” at Universal that I think it’s worth it to have that type of pass. Just make sure to get the 2-park Express pass so you’re not limited on how you use Express
you will get a bunch done with your Express and have so much fun! Also, any tips on things to “see” — little details beyond rides and shows that are fun to see. For example, at Magic Kingdom, you go down the little alley off of Main Street and hear them practicing voice lessons. Any tips like that we should add onto our plans while touring the two parks? I know there are some for the HP stuff but I’m not sure what all but I am trying to find them. But there may be some for other parts of the park as well.
Also, any NOT TO BE MISSED snacks? Like at MK, everyone has to try a Dole Whip. At USO and IOA, I know about Butter Beer, but any more MUST HAVE snacks?
Great question! There are some hidden pathways in the Lost Continent and Seuss Landing which give some great views and photo opportunities of the park. I’ll see if I can find an article on that. There is so much Harry Potter stuff you could spend a day alone doing that! I think to get the most out of that you will need a wand from Olivander’s which interacts with areas of the park much like Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom. There are also a bunch of fun alleyways to walk down in the New York section, fun things to see like nods to famous people and movies, etc.
UO doesn’t really have a signature snack, but I would suggest getting a milkshake at Toothsome because they are insane and you can’t find something like that anywhere else (well, except Planet Hollywood because they totally copied but that’s another story). Some snacks I really enjoy however are everything at Snookers & Snookers Sweet Candy Cookers in Seuss Landing: <span class=”lightbox-hover” style=”opacity: 0;”></span>https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0f/b0/73/c3/snookers-snookers-treats.jpg and to drink the Moose Juice (orange or watermelon slush) and Goose Juice (sour green apple slush) are pretty good. A lot of people enjoy the Lard Lad Donuts in Springfield, I think they’re about $5 and they’re as big as your head! I’ll let you know if I think of something else.
Will go to Toothsome for sure! And thanks for the info about the paths! Love things like that! Can’t wait to share my touring plan for your input!
When you’re in the Harry Potter section in UO, be sure to look for Knocturn Alley. It’s easy to miss, but really, really cool to walk through! And kinda creepy, lol
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